The leaves, as well as the pods are used.

Properties

This tea-like smelling herb has stimulant and irritating laxative properties, as well as cooling and anti-bacterial properties.

It contains several dianthrone glycosides (including sennosides A and B), anthraquinone glycosides, mucilage and flavonoids. Therapeutic uses

Internal use
It is used to treat acute constipation and is useful after anal-rectal surgery, or with very painful hemorrhoids, as it ensures soft stools and easy bowel movements.

Safety precautions and warnings

The leaves may cause contact dermatitis and the internal use is contra-indicated in pregnancy, colitis, as well as spastic constipation. It should also NOT be used for chronic constipation.

The excessive and continuous use of senna can cause laxative dependency and may also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and may also lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

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